Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Young Strikers Fans Poppy and Chase Shelmerdine will bowl the first ball to Cancer Council SA Ambassador Harry Nielson at this Tuesday’s Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder BBL game at Adelaide Oval.
In an Australian first for the BBL, the young Strikers fans will be the headline attraction at the Strikers v Sydney Thunder clash, which is raising much needed funds for Cancer Council SA.
Poppy and Chase are no strangers to cancer – Poppy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) when she was just 12 months old.
Over the next three years Poppy underwent countless rounds of chemotherapy alongside numerous blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and lumbar punctures.
She has also been treated for many sicknesses along the way including pneumonia and a fungal lung infection.
Throughout it all, her big brother Chase was by her side, but after three years of gruelling treatments, Poppy is now a healthy beautiful four-year-old girl.
Poppy and Chase’s dad Heath said that bowling the first ball would be a fantastic way to recognise what Chase and Poppy have been through.
“Chase understands what challenges his sister faced, but also had to give up a lot too. Our family has been through a tough couple of years, but we’re now out the other side and optimistic about the future ahead,” Heath said.
“To be chosen by the Strikers for this opportunity is truly amazing for our family.”
When asked what they’re most looking forward to, Chase said that he’s most excited about being able to hit a ball on a real pitch.
“He said that bowling the ball is exciting, but he really wants to be able to “smash it” just like his favourite players,” Heath said.
Poppy and Chase will bowl the first ball at 6:30pm before the start of the game. Fans are encouraged to get there early to cheer them on.
For more information about Cancer Council SA and how you can show your support to “Hit Cancer For Six” visit the Cancer Council SA website here: hitcancerforsix.org.au.
Name of Author: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers are an Australian professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Established in 2011, they succeeded the Southern Redbacks, who played in the now-defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. The Strikers play their home games at the Adelaide Oval and wear a cornflower blue uniform.
